Like a lot of visitors, for years I had overlooked Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park on my visits to Key West because it is tucked away out of sight. But the historic fort and great beach are worth discovering.
Florida Keys Getaways
This channel features more than 70 articles about things to do in the Florida Keys, including state and county parks, kayak trails, boating and beaches.
Key West home tours offer a peek into island lives
For 66 years, a non-profit devoted to historic preservation has convinced the owners of some of the most interesting homes in Key West to open them to visitors for a good cause. For four winter weekends, you can tour historic homes and support historic preservation.
Most beloved ‘locals’ bars and hangouts in Key West
Rooted in the boisterous days of pirates, wreckers and rum runners, inebriation is an established ritual in Key West. Celebrate with locals at these favored watering holes away from the crawlers on Duval Street.
Thousands of raptors have started migrating over Keys; Hawkwatch keeps count
Every fall, the skies over the Florida Keys fill with thousands of birds from hundreds of species heading south for the winter. A remarkable citizen science project, Hawkwatch, based in Curry Hammock State Park, keeps a tally.
Nine Key West restaurants for authentic local flavor
Key West has so many restaurants that it’s hard to make a decision where to eat. Here’s an intriguing list of restaurants filled with local color and character. It started with recommendations from a fellow blogger who ate his way through Key West.
Stock Island: Key West’s fishy, funky, promising neighbor
Stock Island is a workaday island next to Key West with marinas, fishing and shrimp boats. It’s off the beaten path, a place where you can find great restaurants, luxe resorts and some funky charm.
Historic Key West cemetery: A scenic stop that is full of stories
The cemetery in Key West is a lot like the city itself: quirky, crowded, colorful and full of history. The site has a forlorn almost spooky air. Take a walking tour and discover fascinating stories of Key West and its people.
Snorkeling, kayaking, camping at Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Snorkel, dive or ride a glass-bottom boat to view coral reefs at what many consider Florida’s #1 state park. There’s kayaking and camping, too!
Two Florida Keys parks offer old-fashioned swimming holes and recreational features
These new Florida Keys parks take refreshing swimming holes popular with locals and upgrade them with picnic tables, kayak launches, restrooms and parking. Both of these new parks are perfect stops along the scenic Overseas Highway.
5 Florida Keys breweries are local spots full of Keys flavor
With the addition of a new brewery on Stock Island, the Florida Keys are up to five craft breweries. They’re great places to experience Keys style and ambiance. The beer’s good, too!